Bar food is grand at Brandy’s

November 23, 2014

Story By: Yu Shing Ting | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

For the past 28 years, Brandy’s Bar & Grill in Aiea has been a popular place to meet for a drink, play darts or pool, and watch sports games aired live on TV. The eatery also is known for its tasty food, including burgers, sandwiches, chicken wings and a long list of pupus.

“It’s kind of like Cheers here, where everybody knows everybody, and if they don’t, they get to know you,” says Christina Lynes, general manager. “It’s a gathering place. We open at noon, so a lot of people come here for lunch or they call in their orders. We show every UFC event, and a lot people come here before football games (University of Hawaii and high school) and other events at Aloha Stadium. It’s the only bar in this area.”

Brandy’s also features karaoke ($1 per song) nightly after 7 p.m., runs APA pool leagues and is bringing in Darts Live within the next few months.

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As for its food, Brandy’s is known for its Chicken Wings ($12.50 for 12 pieces, $25 for 24 pieces, $36 for 36 pieces), which comes with up to 3 different sauces per basket. Choose from Brandy’s Original, Buffalo, Korean, Hawaiian BBQ, Garlic Parmesan, Jack Daniels Glaze, Honey Chipotle, Sweet ‘n’ Spicy BBQ, Spicy Garlic or Teri Miso.

Buffalo Wings ($12.50 for 12 pieces)

Kalua Pig Nachos ($13)

Perfect Pastrami ($10.25)

When it comes to sandwiches, Perfect Pastrami ($10.25) is the No. 1 seller featuring hot, seasoned pastrami topped with melted Swiss cheese, mayonnaise and deli mustard on grilled rye bread and served with french fries. If you’re looking for something to share, Kalua Pig Nachos ($13) is a great choice, serving about three people. It’s loaded with chili, nacho cheese sauce and melted cheese, and topped with homemade salsa, sour cream, olives, tomatoes, green onions and jalapenos. You can order the nachos by itself for $10, or add kalua pork, grilled chicken or grilled steak for $3 each.

“Everything we serve here is made fresh,” says Lynes, who has worked at Brandy’s for the past 13 years. “The salsa and chips are made-to-order, and our sauces are all handmade — not bottled. We also make our own kalua pig. Our onion rings are hand-battered to order, and our burgers are really good — all handmade as well.”

Late-night happy hour takes place Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy pupu specials, such as Steamed Clams for $10, Baked Mussels for $8 and Ahi Poke for $8.

For a limited time, Dining Out readers can take advantage of a Hot Deals Hawaii offer in which diners may purchase a $40 voucher for just $20. Vouchers are available to purchase via hotdealshawaii.com now through Nov. 30. The deal is valid for six months, limited to one voucher per table, per visit and may not be combined with any other offers or discounts.